Ten Years of Goodbyes

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.” Over the past decade,
we’ve weathered the loss of many Homecoming Friends whose names are indelibly carved in our
hearts and minds. Though saying goodbye is always painful, our comfort comes in knowing that
it’s temporary. Until then, we look forward to a jubilant reunion in Heaven’s choir!

Vestal Goodman (1929-2003)
Vestal was a powerhouse
combination of a big voice,
big hair, a big smile and
an even bigger heart. Her
energetic performance of
“I Wouldn’t Take Nothing
for My Journey Now,”
sung while waving the
ever-present white hanky (which Mark
Lowry claimed contained “the anointing”),
will stay etched in our memory, as will her love for others and
her devotion to her Savior. Vestal and her husband Howard
“Happy” Goodman were Southern Gospel icons for more than
50 years who lived their faith out loud, blessing countless lives
along the way.

Jake Hess (1927-2004)
The youngest of 12 children
in a rural family,
Jake Hess was an original,
as described by granddaughter
Emily. “He is
often imitated, but will
never be duplicated.”
Known for his unique
vocal style, enthusiasm and sense of humor,
this beloved pioneer of gospel music was a loving husband,
father and friend whose character remained strong as his body
grew weaker. Never one to complain, Jake lived in a state of
gratitude. And in heaven now, Jake truly is, as Bill Gaither emotionally
remarked during his dear friend’s homegoing service,
“nothin’ but fine.”

George Younce (1930-2005)
Bill Gaither said of
George Younce that
he was “one of the
best human beings
I’ve ever known. He
was a man of substance
and integrity.”
During their 45-year
friendship, the Gaithers came to know
George as a very generous family man
who loved to laugh and had a wonderful way of spreading joy.
He was also a very talented singer with a melodic, deep voice,
who dearly loved the music he sang with the Cathedrals and on
the Homecoming stage. One day, George, we’ll all “see you at
the house!”

Anthony Burger (1961-2006)
Struck down in the
prime of his life at age
44, the supremely gifted
Anthony Burger left us
too soon. At his funeral,
Bill Gaither described
Anthony’s work ethic,
servant’s heart and brilliant
talent, adding that the word “genius,”
though often overused, was absolutely
accurate in this case. His wife LuAnn remembers him as a
humble, loving man who made it a high priority to meet fans,
sign autographs and talk to people before and after the concerts.
His skillfully flying fingers and gentle spirit will long be
remembered by those who knew him.

Dottie Rambo (1934-2008)
To say that Dottie Rambo
was a talented songwriter
is a gross understatement;
her musical legacy includes
over 2,500 published songs
sung by artists such as
Elvis Presley, Whitney
Houston, Johnny Cash
and Sandi Patty. Dolly Parton once said that
Dottie was “a special and precious person” and “one of the most
incredible writers of our time … or anybody’s time.” Like many
hymn writers of old, Dottie’s faith-stirring lyrics sprang forth
despite a great deal of physical and emotional adversity in her
life, and we are so blessed that she answered God’s call to share
her heart’s message through song.

Eva Mae LeFevre (1917-2009)
Eva Mae LeFevre was a
delightful blend of wit
and class who sang and
played piano for over 85
years. Bill Gaither loved
to banter with her on
stage, and she loved to
try to embarrass him.
Known for her warmth, her smooth alto
voice, her lightning piano style and her trademark pearls, Eva
Mae was a true “steel magnolia” whom J.D. Sumner once
called “the first lady to change the world of gospel music.”
Through life’s ups and downs, Eva Mae’s passion and determination
never faltered; she continued to sing and touch the
hearts of thousands.

Doug Oldham (1931-2010)
Doug Oldham’s story
was one of redemption,
and he never forgot that.
His openness about his
own failures and Jesus’
goodness, communicated
through his rich, powerful
singing voice, made
him very effective in ministering to others,
who responded to his warm, authentic
spirit. He was the first person to sing the Gaithers’ iconic song,
“He Touched Me,” and listeners knew he meant it. Gloria
Gaither said of the close relationship she and Bill shared with
the Oldhams, “Doug and Laura Lee have been a big part of our
lives. It is a chapter that will not close.”

Jessy Dixon (1938-2011)
Jessy Dixon was a Homecoming
video favorite for
his high-energy, soul-stirring
performances, as well
as the 200-plus songs he
wrote, including “I Am
Redeemed,” which held a
top ten position on the
gospel charts for more than five years. He
had great success in gospel music and other genres, performing
all over the world with everyone from Paul Simon to Ray
Charles to Dottie West, and having his songs recorded by such
names as Natalie Cole, Mahalia Jackson, Cher, Amy Grant and
others. But as Jessy put it, “The greatest joy of my life is to bask
in the love of the One whom this Gospel is all about.”

Stephen Hill (1956-2012)
The sudden death of
Stephen Hill came as a
great shock in August of
2012. This “gentle giant”
of a man is remembered
for his soulful tenor
voice, skillfully penned
songs, his devotion to
his family and faith, and a zany sense of
humor. Stephen was an in-demand Nashville
session singer who became a Homecoming video regular
after Ben Speer introduced Bill Gaither to his “blue-eyed
soul” vocal style. Woody Wright said of Stephen, “His talent
was heaven-sent, and I am a much better person having had
the opportunity to call him my singing partner and friend.”